The Coconut Diet Plan

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SARA IPATENCO Last Updated: Jul 18, 2017

Sara Ipatenco

Sara Ipatenco has taught writing, health and nutrition. She started writing in 2007 and has been published in Teaching Tolerance magazine. Ipatenco holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from the University of Denver.

Based on the idea that traditional populations that eat a lot of coconut oil experience fewer health problems and often weigh less, the Coconut Diet, which is a low-carb diet, claims that participants will experience an increased metabolism and improved digestive function. In addition to eating nutritious foods, people following the Coconut Diet must also consume 2 to 3 tablespoons of pure coconut oil each day. Participants are also encouraged to exercise on a regular basis.

Phase One: Weight Loss Kickoff

The first phase of the Coconut Diet lasts for 21 days and focuses on vegetables and lean sources of protein. You'll build these foods into three meals and two snacks each day, explain Cherie Calbom and John Calbom, authors of "The Coconut Diet." Fruit, grains and sugar are completely off-limits with the goal of helping regulate your blood sugar, which can help with weight loss. The claim associated with this phase of the diet is that you can lose up to 10 pounds. At least 15 minutes of physical activity including cardio and strength-training exercise each day is also recommended.

Phase Two: Time to Cleanse

During the second phase of the Coconut Diet, your diet will include several cleansing drinks that are made with vegetables and healthy sources of fiber. This restrictive phase of the diet can make following the diet difficult, and the lack of calories can lead to fatigue. The goal with these drinks is to help cleanse the internal organs. You'll also take colonics, which are a treatment designed to clean out your colon. The claim is that ridding the body of waste and toxins can facilitate weight loss, the authors note. The coconut oil you're supposed to eat each day can be incorporated into the cleansing drinks. You'll also eat nutritious foods, such as nuts, vegetables and fish, during the second phase, as well as continue to exercise for at least 15 minutes per day.

Phase Three: Eat Healthy Carbs

Once you reach the third phase, you can begin adding grains and starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, back into your diet. Fruits, such as apples, berries, grapes, melon, citrus fruits and peaches are allowed, as well. You can also drink milk and eat yogurt again, but in moderation, of course. You'll continue eating 2 to 3 tablespoons of pure coconut oil each day, which can be added to foods such as salad dressings and sauces, and must get the minimum of 15 minutes of physical activity.

Phase Four: Maintain the Changes

Participants in the Coconut Diet start the last phase once they've reached their goal weight and only need to worry about maintenance. During this phase, you can eat a wider variety of foods, though sugar, alcohol and some fruits, such as bananas, will remain off-limits. Continuing to exercise for at least 15 minutes per day will help you keep the weight off and maintain a healthy weight.